I was reading through popular tech blog Read/Write Web's lengthy post, 36 Startup Tips, an extremely helpful primer for anyone looking to start a launch a tech product/company, or really anything for that matter.

Then I stumbled across the PR section and almost choked on my coffee when I read this:

Tip 1: Hire a PR firm

This may come as a surprise, but you do need a PR firm. An early stage startup can't always afford one, but that does not mean that it is not necessary. The number one reason you need a PR firm is because of their connections. They know people, because this is what they do -network.

Why did I almost choke, you ask? Well, with all of the PR bashing we've seen lately, especially in the tech industry, it was great to see someone validate the necessity of having a good PR firm in place.

Read the full post on Read/Write Web here. Scroll down about halfway for the section on PR.